The Best of Both Worlds?

For as long as I can remember, cats and women have been pretty much synonymous. But, the truth is that with cats being the most popular pets in America, atleast half of those cat guardians are men.

Yup, according to an article in the latest issue of "Cat Fancy" Magazine written by published writer and Grammy-nominated musician Rick Allen, not only do men love cats too, but there are also a few benefits to having a male partner, friend or spouse who shares their life with cats. For example, men who love and adore cats are known to be "generally nicer guys" and have "higher IQ's." After all, if distinguished and well-respected men of history such as Albert Einstein could be devoted to his cat "Tiger" and Winston Churchill his beloved cat "Jock," then surely there must be something to this!

"I simply can't resist a cat, particularly a purring one. They are the cleanest, cunningest, and most intelligent things I know." ~ Mark Twain

Black Cat Appreciation Day!!!

The Sweetest Cats in the World!

If the Maine Coon (and I, personally, believe this to be so) is considered to be the “gentle giant” of the cat world, then the legendary Norwegian Forest Cat has got to be the sweetest!

Based on personal experience and everything I have read about this breed thus far, the Norwegian Forest Cat is not only intelligent, but loyal and loving as well. Much like the Maine Coon but has been around a bit longer, “Wegies” as they are sometimes nicknamed, are believed to have a direct connection to the Vikings, who kept them on their ships in order to keep the vermin population down. As is often true of Nature’s rule, they are a product of the “survival of the fittest” and/or natural selection as they easily adapted to the harsh Norwegian climate.  Using their sturdy bodies already equipped with strong legs, bushy tail to cover themselves thus keeping warm, and overall healthy biological make-up, these cats lived on plants, rodents and even tree bark to survive.

By 1934, it became evident to the Norwegian people that this beautiful but hardy breed was on the verge of extinction. They formed a club and every effort was made to continue breeding them until World War II. Then in the early 1970’s, serious efforts began when a group of dedicated cat fanciers formed Norsk Skogkattring in order to preserve this living historical monument. In 1976, Wegies were recognized by the Feline International Federation, the international cat organization in Europe. This was no easy task; however, as not only had these cats needed to be approved as breeding stock by a panel of breeders and judges, but litters also had to be approved. A very time-consuming project, the end result was well worth it as no attempt to change the breed to appeal to what is considered “in” took place and these cats have remained untouched over the years.  I believe this is exactly why they are described by breeders as having a “straight” profile. It’s worth mentioning that, according to Cat Fancy Magazine’s Susan Shaw, “it is common to see a Forest Cat snuggling in the arms of a judge, giving him or her a kiss.”

The Norwegian Forest Cat is also a big part of Norse mythology as they are said to be the cats depicted pulling the goddess Freya’s chariot across the sky as they accompanied her during battle.  As much as I love Maine Coons (and trust me, I certainly DO!), living with our Wegie, Tabitha, I can’t help but to adore her. We have only had her a couple of years so far, and already she has me wrapped around her little poofy paws!

Cats and Rabbits?: An Unexpected Good Match!

Through the years, my hubby and I have shared our hearts and our home with a total of eight cats and five bunny rabbits. Never ever have we had a problem with either species getting along with one another. Strange, right? I mean, felines and rabbits being known as predator and prey?

I suppose it is all in how you view it logically. For example, our cats have always seemed to treat our rabbits as if they somehow knew that they were part of the family. Now, eventhough our cats are and have always been 100% indoor pets, I have no doubt in my mind what-so-ever that had they seen any sort of rabbit running around in our back yard that their predatory instincts would immediately kick in and that poor bunny would automatically be prey!

Why is this so? Well, for one thing the cats enviornment has a lot to do with how they react to rabbits. How you introduce them to one another, how they share territory within your home, how aggressive the cat OR bunny is, etc. Cats out in the wild naturally tend to be solitary animals where rabbits are known to be social and stay in their own little groups (afterall, being prey there is usually safety in numbers).

But, domestic cats have been living with us for so long that they have adapted to being around us and/or other animals and therefore tend to be much easier to handle, if properly introduced, around newcomers and even get a bit lonesome for the company of others whether it be ours or another animals. Such has been the case with our critters. What seems like such an unlikely match is more often than not a really wonderful companionship ...

I have found a great link to an article about the relationship between cats and rabbits from House Rabbit Society. Here it is:  
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/2-11/cats-and-rabbits.html

 

My nephew Dustin with his female dwarf bunny "Sydney" who was one of our rescue bunnies back in 2011.

Whoa, how'd I miss that?: Black Cat Appreciation Day

 

"Black Cat Appreciation Day" was last week ~ August 17th to be exact! Good Goddess, how could I have ever forgotten THAT day? LOL!

Midnight 'n' Kiki ~ our little black beauties!

 

 

Anyhow, I love this idea as black cats, of all the cats out there, seem to have gotten somewhat of a bad rap throughout our American history. Between being associated with numerous (and ridiculous) superstitions such as being cast as "evil," and religious persecution these cats have surely paid their dues. And, although this is no longer the 17th century, these beautiful cats are unfortunately still subjected to society's ignorance. Such ignorance has caused many Animal Shelters to refuse allowing black cats to be adopted by prospective cat guardians every year around the holiday of Halloween.

 

Lets face it, these guys deserve a day of their own and suffice it to say they have most certainly earned it!  So, Happy "belated" Black Cat Appreciaton Day everyone!"

 

I  had also come across a wonderful article on the net about this special day and thought perhaps you all might be interested in reading it ... In Celebration of Black Cats.

 

A new use for cat litter?

Okay, so a couple of weeks ago my mother-in-law calls us up and says to my hubby, "Kim's going to think I am crazy, but I would like to know if I could have some used cat litter?"

LOL, "used" cat litter? Now considering the fact that my in-laws do not even have cats, I know she didn't just mean cat litter by mistake. Turns out that the reason she asked us for the litter is because they have a lot of destructive groundhogs burrowing in their yard and my mother-in-law heard on a local radio show that if you spread used cat litter all around the perimeter of your home, it will deter them from coming around. Which, in my opinion, is certainly a much, much better solution than trying to shoot them!

Well, yesterday I spoke to her and asked her if the used cat litter worked. Much to my surprise, she said, "Yes!" So there you have it, my friends ~ have trouble with groundhogs? Try some used cat litter! LOL!

"My Cat From Hell"

Has anyone ever seen the Animal Planet series, "My Cat From Hell" hosted by Jackson Galaxy? Jackson is "a musician by night and a Cat Behaviorist by day."

I can't help but to love this show! Not only do I find it educational as far as cat behavior is concerned, but I think it is so fascinating how Jackson is able to "re-adjust" the cat guardian's behavior and attitude as well in cases where it is the "human" behaviour which is causing a majority of the cat bahavioral issues in the household.

Not to say, that is, that my kitty cats behavior is purrfect all of the time. but some of the cat problems I have seen this guy deal with is completely beyond anything I had ever imagined as a cat owner/mom.

The thing I love the most about this show; however, is how beautifully Jackson handles both the cats and their people. It is so wonderful to hear about all the success stories of people who loved their animals so much that they would do anything to keep them rather than give them up.

"My Cat From Hell" deals with the extreme cases where cat owners have reached the point where they have tried everything and Jackson was their last hope! Not only is Jackson extremely knowledgable about cats, but he is very educated when it comes to various cat breeds as well. The genuine love and affection he has for these cats is heart-warming and it shows.  I can't help but to share in his joy while watching him.

Jackson Galaxy has written a book called, "Cat Daddy" and I can not wait to read it after which I will write a book review for this blog.  Have a fantastic day everyone!!!